It took an extra five weeks, but the AJAC “Best New” winners were announced today at a news conference at the Toronto Congress Centre in Toronto. The twelve new winners were released and now they’ve all been entered to win the 2014 Canadian Car of the Year and Utility Vehicle of the Year. 

Before we announce the winners, let’s get down to how they were scored. Close to 80 Canadian journalists came to 'TestFest' in Niagara Falls, Ontario to test and score vehicles in their assigned groups. These tests were conducted through back-to-back ride routes of the vehicles in their respective groups. Scoring was based on styling, occupant environment, performance and vehicle dynamics. Once the scores were inputted, the international accounting firm KPMG tabulated them through a scoring system that takes account the price of each vehicle.

Now on to the 2014 winners: 

BEST NEW SMALL CAR (under $21K) – Mazda3

BEST NEW SMALL CAR (over $21K) – Mazda3 Sport

BEST NEW FAMILY CAR (under $30K) – Kia Soul 

BEST NEW FAMILY CAR (over $30K) – Mazda6

BEST NEW LUXURY CAR (under $50K) – Lexus IS 350 RWD

BEST NEW LUXURY CAR (over $50K) – Infiniti Q50 Hybrid

BEST NEW SPORTS/PERFORMANCE (over $50K) – Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

BEST NEW PRESTIGE CAR (over $75K) – Mercedes-Benz S-Class

BEST NEW SUV/CUV (under $35k) – Jeep Cherokee

BEST NEW SUV/CUV ($35k-$60k) – Kia Sorento

BEST NEW SUV/CUV (over $60k) – Acura MDX

BEST PICKUP – GMC Sierra

It was a great showing for Mazda that won in all three categories it entered in. While Kia won in 50 per cent of its categories entered in taking home two AJAC awards. General Motors was the only other automaker to scoop up multiple awards from their Chevrolet and GMC brands. Rounding out the other winners were Lexus, Infiniti, Mercedes-Benz, Jeep and Acura. It was nice to see Infiniti, Jeep and GMC take home some prizes as all three have not had a winner in over a decade. 

It was a victorious day for many automakers, especially Mazda, but now the tide shifts to February 13th when the Car of the Year winners are finally announced at the Canadian International AutoShow in Toronto. For the past three years a vehicle worth under $30K has won the Canadian Car of the Year, so we will see if that pattern changes.